1. I am trying to decide whether or not to apply to Columbia. Would you be able to give me a idea of the minimum standards for admission?

Most successful applicants to our program have analytic GRE scores above the 90th percentile. Students are advised they should have completed undergraduate linear algebra, probability and statistics, advanced calculus and real analysis to be prepared for classes in the Economics PhD program. Superb reference letters or excellent performance as an undergraduate are considered in the admission process as well. Foreign students must also meet the minimum required TOEFL/IELTS (see below).

2. If I e-mail my resume, can you tell me about my chances for admission?

We are unable to review your resume to determine the likelihood of admission. To be considered for admission, you must complete the full application. Please do not email your resume to the department, as it will not be reviewed.

3. I would like to seek a master's degree but not a Ph.D. May I apply to your program?

A list of M.A. programs offered at Columbia can be found on the GSAS website. In addition to the currently established Ph.D. program, the department intends to launch a stand alone Master's program in Economics, beginning Fall 2015. For information, follow this link.

Please read the GSAS Applications Policy and Procedures section of the Columbia website. It answers all of your questions on the applications procedures, and the forms and documentation you must submit.

No. Applicants are considered for admission to the fall term only. The application period begins in mid October of each year and ends December 15th, the deadline to submit the application and supporting materials.

Applications and supporting materials must be postmarked December 15th if mailed to meet the application deadline for all applicants. Applications may also be submitted electronically. Late applications will not be considered.

14. Should I report my GRE and TOEFL/IELTS scores to the Graduate School directly?

Educational Testing Service (ETS), who manage the GRE and TOEFL tests, and IELTS are required to report their official test scores directly to the University. We recommend that you also include a photocopy of your score report, if it is available, at the time you complete your application. Please be reminded however, these scores are not considered official unless they are reported directly to the University by ETS or IELTS.

15. What is the latest date that the GRE and TOEFL/IELTS can be taken without risking the score not meeting the deadline?

Applicants are strongly encouraged to register early for the GRE and TOEFL/IELTS as incomplete applications can cause a delay in giving full consideration to your application. The web sites of these testing organizations show test dates and approximate score report mailing dates. The applicant should plan to have the results of their tests available no later than the December 15th application deadline.

Applicants from countries where the native language is not English must take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) administered by the Educational Testing Service, or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) examination unless they attended an English-speaking institution in an English-speaking country for all years of their undergraduate degree. If you are in any doubt as to whether your undergraduate degree exempts you from the TOEFL/IELTS, it is always advisable to take the test and submit the results with your supporting materials.

Applicants are strongly urged to make arrangements to take these examinations early in the fall. Scores more than 2 years old are not accepted. Student score reports are not considered official.

The Graduate School requires the following minimum scores: 600 on the TOEFL paper-and-pencil test,100 on the TOEFL internet-based test, or 7.5 on IELTS.

More information can be found on the GSAS website here: http://gsas.columbia.edu/content/information-international-students

20. English is not my native language, but I have already attended a college in America or another English-speaking country. Do I have to take the TOEFL/IELTS exam?

You are only exempt from the TOEFL/IELTS if you attended an English-speaking undergraduate institution in an English-speaking country for at least two years. If you attended an institution in an English-speaking country for a graduate degree, but your undergraduate degree is from a non-English-speaking country or institution, the Department of Economics requires that you take the TOEFL/IELTS. This is a stricter requirement than that of the Graduate School and reflects the fact that successful graduate study in economics depends crucially on your ability to understand, read, write and speak English. Further information is available on the GSAS website.

21. Does Columbia require that letters of recommendation be written on a form?

The letter of recommendation form can be downloaded from the GSAS website. The applicant should request that a recommendation letter be composed on the school's letterhead and placed in the school's envelope with the recommender's written signature across the seal. Letters submitted by mail should be sent to the Admissions Office, 107 Low Memorial Library, 535 West 116th Street, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027 USA. Please do not send them to the Economics Department.

Letters of evaluation may be submitted online. Before starting your online application, check with the professors from whom you are requesting evaluations to see if they would like to use Columbia's secure online system. The process is simple for them to use, and allows the applicant to track the status of the evaluation using the ApplyYourself system. You may submit your online application even if the letters of evaluation have not yet been submitted by your recommender. When the letters are submitted, they will be attached to the rest of your documents.

Applicants may now check the status of their application online anytime here. You will be asked to provide your applicant ID and birth date to gain access to the site. Please wait a minimum of three weeks from the time you mail your supporting documents to the program office before checking the status of your application on this website.